How to stay one step ahead of costly water damage

People often fear fire damage to their homes more than water damage because fire is immediate, destructive and life-threatening. Water, except in natural disasters that cost billions annually, seems less dangerous and acts gradually but can still ruin property, weaken structures and create hidden health risks, making it just as costly in the long run. Fortunately, affordable technology such as the Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff by Moen helps minimize that.

AUTO WATER SHUTOFF 24/7

This innovative device pairs with the Moen Smart Water Network app and connects to your home’s incoming water supply. It keeps an eye, monitoring your home’s water (pressure, temperature and flow rate) 24/7 and alerts you at the first sign of a leak or issue. With Moen’s MicroLeak Technology, it runs daily proactive tests that can detect a leak as small as a drop per minute from a worn-out drain, pipe or leaky valve. You can choose to shut off the water directly from the app or configure your settings to immediately trigger an automatic shutoff. This is especially handy if frozen pipes burst in the dead of winter while you’re relaxing on a beach in Mexico.

AI-ENABLED

This device incorporates Moen’s latest FloSense 3.0 technology, which uses machine learning algorithms to analyze and learn about your family’s water usage patterns. With more accurate leak detection, your Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff can better protect your home by sending timely, reliable alerts when it matters most.

The beauty of this system is that beyond leaks, it can also detect shifts in water consumption patterns. For example, if you usually shower for five minutes but go for 20, Flo Smart will alert you. It also acts as a handy reminder of water usage for the eco-conscious.

From day one, Flo Smart learns your “normal” water routines. After answering a few onboarding questions, for the first seven to 10 days, it remains in learning mode, during which you can monitor usage, but no alerts are sent.

ALERT CHOICES

Alerts can be received via email, text, phone call or through the app. You can also monitor your system in real-time through the app’s control panel.

Flo Smart has three modes: Normal, Away and Sleep. Normal mode is for your typical day. Away mode is for when you’re traveling, with more stringent alert settings. Sleep mode helps avoid unnecessary alerts, such as when you’re filling your pool or hot tub.

It’s also compatible with Alexa, Google Home and Apple HomeKit.

INSTALLATION AND COMPATIBILITY

Flo Smart connects to your home’s 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, is AC-powered and conveniently plugs into a standard outlet. It comes with a 10-ft. cord and optional low-voltage 25-ft. extension. There’s also a special hex key to manually engage the water shutoff knob in the event of a power failure.

Flo Smart can be easily installed with a little DIY know-how. It comes with connection fittings and spare parts, but you’ll need your own tools. It’s placed after the water meter, main water shutoff and pressure-reducing valve, if you have one. The app guides you through the installation process, and there are also helpful videos to assist. However, if you want peace of mind, I highly recommend hiring a qualified plumber.

MOEN SMART LEAK DETECTOR

The Moen Smart Leak Detector consists of a base unit and a mini remote sensing disc, adds another layer of protection, both intelligently monitoring moisture, humidity and temperature, customizable to your environment. You can be alerted if the dishwasher or hot water tank is leaking, or if the furnace stops working and the ambient temperature drops.

Smart Leak can be placed almost anywhere water may be present and operate as a low-cost standalone device. As it also uses Moen’s Smart Water Network app, it can also partner with your Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff for added protection. In the event of an alert from the Smart Leak detector, the app can send a signal to Flo Smart to automatically engage the water shutoff.

Leak detector requires no special installation. It comes with a wall mount base and hardware. It runs on a 3V CR123A lithium battery (included), which should last for up to two years.

FINAL WORDS

The Moen Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff comes in three configurations for three-quarter-in., one-in. or 1.25-in. pipes, starting at $699, and available from Home Depot and Amazon. The Moen Smart Leak Detector retails for $75, or about $185 for a three-pack, also available on Amazon, Home Depot and Canadian Tire.

For an additional $5 per month, you can subscribe to Flo Protect, an option that will cover up to $5,000 of your insurance’s water damage deductible and extend Flo Smart’s warranty to five years. Your insurance company may also offer discounts on your annual premiums if you install smart shutoff valves.

Both of these devices make for an affordable and convenient solution for safeguarding you home – whether you are at home or away.

For more information, visit moen.ca/flo.